Inductee — Edd Roush

Edd Roush

Class of 1979

Birthplace:

Outfielder

Biography:

Born in 1893 in Oakland City lived much of his life there and later passed away in 1988 while in Bradenton, Florida. Certainly one of the most feared hitters of the dead-ball era. His 18 year playing career included five teams including two stints with Cincinnati and New York. He also played in the Federal League for Indianapolis and Newark. He began a 12 year career with Cincinnati in 1916 after being traded from New York. He began to pay dividends immediately in 1917 by leading the league in hitting with a .341 average. He hit over .300 for eleven straight seasons using a 48 ounce bat the heaviest in baseball. His .321 average in 1921 again led the league and Cincinnati to the World Series. The Reds won the series playing the White Sox which created baseballs biggest scandal by purposely throwing the series. In 1923 he led the league in doubles with 41 and the next year led the league in triples with 21. A little know fact about Edd is that he is the only player ever ejected from a game for sleeping. In 1920 during a long argument between managers and umpires he laid down in the outfield and went to sleep. The umpires had a hard time waking him so they ejected him for delay of the game. Edd sat out the 1930 season when the Giants wanted to cut his salary and he refused. The Reds signed him for one final season. In 1938 he coached the Reds before retiring. In 1962 he was elected to the National Hall of Fame.